Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck Review

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Review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck

According to our data, this Instinct recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.

Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.

Review of Ingredients

In our review of Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe With Real Duck, we'll examine all 38 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.

While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.

  1. Duck is a highly digestible protein source that provides essential amino acids, which support muscle development and energy in dogs.

  2. Chicken meal is a highly concentrated source of protein made from dehydrated and ground chicken. It provides essential amino acids for your dog's muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth, making it a valuable ingredient for maintaining your dog's health and well-being.

  3. Peas are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. They can contribute to your dog's overall health and provide necessary nutrients.

  4. Egg product is a highly digestible source of protein that also provides essential amino acids to help build and maintain your dog's muscle tissue.

  5. Turkey meal is a high-quality, protein-rich ingredient that provides essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for your dog. It supports lean muscle development, healthy organ function, and a strong immune system.

  6. Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid) is a good source of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support your dog's skin and coat health, as well as their overall health.

  7. Tapioca is a gluten-free carbohydrate source that provides energy and can be easily digested by most dogs.

  8. Natural flavor is added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to your pet. This can help encourage your dog to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their overall health and well-being.

  9. Montmorillonite clay is a natural source of minerals and can help support your dog's digestive health by binding and eliminating toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

  10. While salt is a necessary component of a dog's diet, providing essential minerals such as sodium and chloride for proper cellular function, it should be provided in moderation to avoid health issues like hypertension or kidney damage.

  11. Vitamin E supplement is an essential nutrient that helps support your dog's immune system, skin health, and overall wellness.

  12. L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate is a stable form of vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your dog's immune system, joint health, and overall wellness.

  13. Niacin supplement is an important source of vitamin B3, which plays a crucial role in supporting your dog's energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall health. It also aids in maintaining healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting proper digestion.

  14. Vitamin A Supplement is important for supporting vision, immune function, and skin health in dogs.

  15. Thiamine mononitrate is a form of vitamin B1 that helps support your dog's nervous system function, energy metabolism, and overall health.

  16. D-Calcium Pantothenate is a source of pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin that helps in energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.

  17. Riboflavin supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which is crucial for your dog's energy production, cell function, and overall growth and development.

  18. Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a source of vitamin B6, which is essential for your dog's nervous system function, immune health, and red blood cell production.

  19. Vitamin B12 Supplement is an essential vitamin that helps support brain function and the formation of red blood cells.

  20. Folic acid is a crucial B-vitamin that aids in the synthesis of DNA and supports healthy cell growth. It's essential for maintaining your dog's overall health, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

  21. Vitamin D3 supplement is an essential vitamin that supports bone health, immune function, and overall well-being in dogs. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, promoting strong and healthy bones.

  22. Biotin is a B-vitamin that's important for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and nails in dogs.

  23. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for your dog. They're rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy vision and immune function, and also provide fiber to aid in digestion and maintain a healthy weight.

  24. Apple is a natural source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support your dog's digestive health, immune system, and overall well-being.

  25. Cranberry is a fruit that can provide your dog with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, promoting urinary tract health and boosting their immune system.

  26. Dried tomato pomace is a fiber-rich ingredient derived from tomatoes, which aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut in dogs.

  27. Zinc proteinate is a highly absorbable form of zinc. It helps support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat in dogs.

  28. Iron proteinate is a chelated form of iron that is more easily absorbed by your dog's body, supporting their red blood cell production and overall health.

  29. Copper Proteinate is a chelated form of copper that's easier for dogs to absorb, aiding in red blood cell formation and iron absorption.

  30. Manganese Proteinate is a chelated form of manganese, a mineral that supports bone health, metabolism and enzymatic reactions.

  31. Sodium selenite is a form of selenium, a necessary trace mineral that supports immune function and thyroid health in dogs.

  32. Ethylenediamine dihydriodide is a form of iodine used in dog foods. Iodine is crucial for your dog's thyroid health, which regulates metabolism and energy.

  33. Potassium chloride is an essential mineral supplement that helps maintain your dog's electrolyte balance and supports healthy nerve and muscle function.

  34. Freeze dried duck (ground with bone) is a nutrient-dense protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. The inclusion of ground bone supplies natural calcium and phosphorus, supporting your dog's skeletal health.

  35. Choline Chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in brain and liver function, muscle movement, and supports healthy metabolic processes.

  36. Pumpkin seed is a natural source of antioxidants, beneficial oils, and fiber. It also has deworming properties.

  37. Dried Bacillus coagulans fermentation product is a probiotic ingredient that supports your dog's digestive and immune health. This beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your pet's gastrointestinal tract, promoting regular digestion and overall wellbeing.

  38. Rosemary extract is a natural antioxidant that can help protect your dog's body from the harmful effects of free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support your dog's overall health and well-being, particularly in regard to joint health.

Review of Guaranteed Analysis

The crude protein content of 34.50% in this pet food is likely contributed by the duck, chicken meal, egg product, and turkey meal listed in the ingredients. These are all high-quality sources of animal protein, which are essential for a pet's muscle development and overall health. The chicken meal and turkey meal are concentrated forms of protein because they are rendered products, meaning the water content has been removed, resulting in a higher protein density.

The crude fat minimum of 20.50% can be attributed to the duck, which is naturally rich in fats, as well as the canola oil and the fats present in the chicken meal and turkey meal. Canola oil is a source of essential fatty acids, which are important for a healthy coat and skin. The mixed tocopherols and citric acid are used to preserve the fat in the food, ensuring it doesn't go rancid.

Crude fiber content is at a maximum of 3.00%. This relatively low fiber content reflects the grain-free nature of the product. The fiber in this pet food likely comes from the peas, apples, carrots, and possibly the montmorillonite clay. These ingredients provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel health.

The caloric content of 4345.00 kcal/kg is a measure of the energy provided by the food. This is influenced by the combined macronutrients: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Given that fats provide more calories per gram than proteins or carbohydrates, the high fat content from the duck, canola oil, and meals significantly contributes to the calorie density of the food. The carbohydrates from peas and tapioca also contribute to the total calorie content, albeit to a lesser extent than fats.